That’s a really good example of being able to use the kind of structure that we had already set up. The people we had planned to have these conversations with are also well-informed and flexible, able to turn on a dime. So, that’s the biggest change.
What does it say about The Arena earning the most-watched title for the network a couple of times in the last few months?
I am always thrilled to hear that we’re doing well. I have nothing without my colleagues, without the network that supports the show and gives me a home and a place to do it. I’m really glad that our viewers are responding to what we’re doing, and I hope that says something positive about us. I don’t take it to mean anything negative about anybody else—4 p.m. has become a place where, as the cable landscape has changed, viewers’ habits are changing as well. It’s great to be in a time slot where you know people are reaching the end of their workday, probably the market has closed, but they’re still really engaged in the world. They haven’t shifted to going home and are looking for entertainment in the evening. I’m happy to be where I am and able to take advantage of that.
Why has the show resonated so quickly with CNN’s audience?
You never know with these kinds of things. I switched networks, which is always a risk for anyone, as you’re meeting a new audience. I’m really grateful to Mark Thompson and the leadership at CNN for letting me do the show that I knew was going to be the best show from me. This has been something I’ve been working on, how to find my voice, my format, my place of being the most comfortable. It started with my first show (on MSNBC), which was Kasie DC, and a lot of the elements that you see on The Arena are things that I was trying out back then—in terms of having panels, trying to do big interviews, leaning into the strengths that I have as a congressional reporter and a political reporter, and taking the experience that I’ve had over many years.
I’ve had several different iterations at CNN. I came over for CNN+, and then I had a different role after that changed. I did the early morning show at five, and then we expanded. Those were all situations where either I was coming into a format that someone else had done originally, or there was a different vision. With The Arena, they’ve let me do my show, and that is something that I don’t take for granted. The only way I’m going to succeed is by being the person that I actually am and doing the things that I’m good at. The audience is either going to like that or they’re not. But I can’t be different than who I am. The audience will see right through that. I appreciate that they let me put on the air something that I came to them and said, “Hey, this is what I think I can bring to the table,” and they went for it, which was great.
